These replacements are necessary because some of the garments and accessories have been on display and exposed to light for their allotted time.

Textiles are light sensitive so Te Papa’s textile conservators recommend that they are displayed for limited time periods. This precaution means that garments have the best chance of being preserved for the future.

This richly embroidered man’s waistcoat (above), which is 230 years old, has been replaced by an even older embroidered child’s bodice. It will be on display in Enriching Fashion on on level 4 until June.

Another replacement item is a beautiful lilac wedding dress (below left) that was made in Italy in 1909, which has taken the place of a delicately ruffled day dress made for a London department store about 1900.

Two piece bathing suit… at least the Victorians had the sense to cover up their skins.. remember the bathing sheds moved down to the beach for them to reach the water, werent Men and Ladies not allowed to dip together? If one was to show that outfit to a child today, they would not believe it was a bathing suit, probably say underwear, vest and bloomers to go under the crinoline clothes! Love the wedding clothes.. and the lovely waistcoat.. The Victorian era wore lovely clothes, not like 2011 fashion statements!